A GREEN-FINGERED HOMEOWNER has created her own mini pavement garden on the street after a tree was removed, leaving a muddy patch behind.

Tess Lawrence, who lives on Hall Royd in Shipley, asked Bradford Council if they were going to plant a new tree in its place but they couldn't use the base anymore.

Sick of the unsightly patch, Tess put on her gardening gloves and planted a tiny garden feature for the whole street to see.

And now, a phenomenon is taking place across the district as more residents create little eco spaces where trees once stood.

Tess, who got inspired with spare plants from her raised flower beds, told the Telegraph & Argus: "I asked the council if they were going to replace the tree. They left it with mud.

"It was muddy for a while.

"I just enjoy it. It's quite a good community.

"Everyone talks to each other and it's just a nice place to live.

"It brings a bit of colour and pleasure on a Winter's day.

"Last year, when I had the winter plants, there was a Facebook page for Shipley and people started talking about it.

"Then I commented and they said they loved it!

"If the people like it, that's great. I'm glad they do."

Tess's newest garden design features mini ferns, heathers and stones with the remnants of a smashed floral bowl.

Only one of her designs has fallen casualty so far, after a driver ran over her creation.

Tess continued: "I've had people stop me and say how much they like it. It's really just a little bit of niceness.

"It's very much about the commmunity stuff. Really, I just do it because I like it. I think, 'What else are you going to do with a bit of mud?'

"It definitely starts conversations and encourages people to look after their community."

"I just hope people don't run over it because it's actually on the pavement."

And there's a reason why this eco paradise could be bringing neighbours together.

Gardening is a source of relaxation, comfort and enjoyment for many, often boosting mental health.

The Royal Horticultural Society says the hobby helps people not only find a connection with plants and the environment, but with people too.

Tess added: "I thought it was a good idea."

Bradford Council has explained that trees are removed as soon as roots start to lift the pavement in a bid to reduce the risk of tripping and to improve accessibility.

18 months on, a pavement slab is yet to be fitted but the council is encouraging more people to turn these muddy patches into something pretty while they wait.

The council has reassured gardeners that they will notify residents before destroying the garden once the time comes.

A Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “When tree roots start to lift the pavement, we remove them to reduce the risk of tripping and to improve accessibility.

“Once this has been done, the sites will be either replanted with species which don’t have aggressive route systems, or repaved.

“We welcome residents temporarily planting these sites on the understanding that they may need to be removed at a later date.

“We would, of course, discuss this with whoever did the planting in the first place."

If anyone else would like to plant a garden, Tess says the best place to start is looking for any leftover plants.

Use stones to decorate the outside or add different textures.

And make the most of anything you have in the house, like cracked dishes.